Multi-connector apparatus with connection-sequencing interlock mechanism

Abstract

An interlock plate slidably affixed to a multi-bay connector header ensures a preordained connection sequence of multiple plug-in connectors. The interlock plate covers portions of the connector header, and can move with respect to the connector header to prevent access to selected bays of the header. When in a base position, the interlock plate allows insertion of one or more make-first/break-last connector plugs, but blocks insertion of one or more make-last/break-first connector plugs. When in a shifted position, the interlock plate prevents removal of the inserted make-first/break-last connector plug(s), and allows insertion of the make-last/break-first connector plug(s). Insertion of the make-last/break-first connector plug(s) locks the interlock plate in the shifted position, so that the make-last/break-first connector plug(s) must be removed prior to the make-first/break-last connector plug(s).

1. A multi-connector apparatus with connection-sequence interlocking, comprising:
 at least one make-first/break-last connector; 
 at least one make-last/break-first connector; 
 a connector header having at least first and second connector bays configured to receive said make-first/break-last and make-last/break-first connectors, respectively; 
 an interlock plate movably affixed to said connector header for covering selected portions of said first and second connector bays to prevent or allow insertion and removal of said make-first/break-last and make-last/break-first connectors, said interlock plate having a base position that allows insertion of said make-first/break-last connector into said first connector bay while preventing insertion of said make-last/break-first connector into said second connector bay, and a shifted position that prevents removal of an inserted make-first/break-last connector from said first connector bay while allowing insertion of said make-last/break-first connector into said second connector bay; and 
 a locking mechanism for holding said interlock plate in said base position prior to insertion of said make-first/break-last connector into said first connector bay, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tab depending from a frame of said interlock plate, and a slot formed in a sidewall of said connector header in which said depending tab seats, wherein said make-first/break-last connector includes an outwardly depending projection that engages said depending tab when said make-first/break-last connector is inserted into said first connector bay to release said locking mechanism and allow movement of said interlock plate to said shifted position. 
 
     
     
       2. The multi-connector apparatus of  claim 1 , where:
 the insertion of said make-last/break-first connector into said second connector bay blocks movement of said interlock plate, so that said make-last/break-first connector must be removed from said second connector bay before said interlock plate can be returned to said base position for removing said make-first/break-last connector from said first connector bay. 
 
     
     
       3. The multi-connector apparatus of  claim 1 , where:
 said make-first/break-last connector has an undercut sidewall that is overlapped by said interlock plate when said interlock plate is in said shifted position. 
 
     
     
       4. The multi-connector apparatus of  claim 1 , where:
 said interlock plate includes a frame portion that surrounds a periphery of said connector header and a top portion with openings for receiving said make-first/break-last connector and said make-last/break-first connector. 
 
     
     
       5. The multi-connector apparatus of  claim 1 , where:
 said locking mechanism releases to allow movement of said interlock plate to said shifted position when said make-first/break-last connector is inserted into said first connector bay.